Read More

She continued: "But, either through fear or a lack of information, most children do not seek help or tell anyone what is happening until they are much older.

“Thankfully this service is giving children the knowledge and self-confidence to speak out and hopefully prevent abuse before it starts."

Stacey Skeete with Head Teacher Ms Kathryn Harper-Quinn, and Deputy Head Teachers Mrs Helena Bush and Mrs Patricia Stack with the Year 2 pupils at Hounslow Heath Infant and Nursery School (Image: NSPCC)

The initiative was launched in 2011 after research revealed most children contacting Childline were over the age of 11, with many saying the abuse had started years before they reached out for help.

Last year (2016/17), the NSPCC’s Speak Out. Stay Safe service was delivered to 3,660 children at eight different schools across Hounslow. The charity is calling on more schools across London to sing up to the free service.